A verse I have read multiple times before stood out to me this morning: Proverbs 21:3
The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.
One of the blights on the witness of the Christian faith is the failure of those to put into practice what the Bible teaches. Granted, there will always be those who aren’t interested in it. But this verse lists specifically a certain type of person: one who goes to church, sings the songs, takes communion, smiles at people, and says all the right words, but has no inkling of practicing their faith outside the church doors.
Jesus Himself confronted this very same issue in Matthew 23. In a chapter called the “7 Woe Passage” because 7 times He says, “Woe to you scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites”, Jesus point blank called them out. He told the people in verse 3 to “practice and do what they tell them, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they preach” (v.3). How many times have we heard those words used in conversations with people having trouble with latching onto the Christian faith? We call that person a hypocrite and Jesus obliges us by calling them the same. He even gives a further description by saying “Everything they do is for show” (v.5). In one of the woes Jesus talks about the scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites being careful to give their tithes (and to be seen by others doing so), but forgetting the more important things-justice, mercy and faith (v. 23).
That brings us full-circle to the passage in Proverbs. It also draws me to Micah 6:8
No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Summary: it is not what we do at a church service that matters. It is what we do outside the church walls that shows how real our faith is to us.
I think I may have mentioned here before that Micah 6:8 is my “life verse,” Bill. And you’re so right – it’s not about how we act inside the church walls, but how we interact with others outside of them.
Blessings!
That is a great verse to live by Martha. Have you ever heard Emu music sing that song?
No, I haven’t. I’ll have to look that up. Thanks!
Totally agree Bill. I have so many old catholics friends that I have talked to that just do not understand they are lost. They just want to dip their toe in the christian pool, play religion when its convenient. I know this well, because I lived that lost life myself, I said the words, I was baptized as a baby, I’m good. I went to church all my life, but until I left the catholic church and started reading the Bible, and God opened my eyes and heart, I did not understand how lost I really was. Thankfully, my relationship with the Lord is always growing, and I strive to learn more. Believing, and trusting and walking with Christ, is not a checklist of going to church, its building a relationship that transform your life. It changes everything, how you see, how you listen, what you say, what you do. To quote Charles Spurgeon” A christian has never finished his education til he stands before the golden throne of God”.
I love hearing about your growth over the years Gail and that it is ongoing. Keep pursuing Him. I also like that quote by Spurgeon.